Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Catskill NY

Art work on display was exquisite. At one time he must have had a beautiful view of the Hudson River across from Olana. But, with the trees much taller and the buildup of roads, it has been lost. He was an interesting man with a social and environmental conscience way ahead of his time. The tour of the house was informative.

Visitors are only allowed to go into the museum during guided tours on the hour - which turned out great, because Mike was informative and friendly, answering all our questions. I knew nothing about Cole or the Hudson river art group, and I got a huge amount out of it, including a better appreciation for the scenic views of the Catskills.

Why would somebody visit the home of a repressed, scold who was so in love with nature he wanted the Catskills for himself. He wasn't trying to ban carbon footprints, he was against all human footprints, except his of course, because only he appreciated natural beauty. He rose to some fame with a few scenic paintings - none of which are here. Feel pity for the site overseers who have historic but somewhat boring buildings to show so they try to build Cole up as a naturalist, but he comes across as a moralizing celebrity who only exists to moralize. The staff, who are probably students looking for school credits, have no real information and basically treat each day as Casual Friday. The whole place gives the feel of being kept on life support until the insurance runs out. Officials know they have a dog on their hands and to try and justify the big ticket price they push a second visit to the Olana Historical Site across the river that is bigger and better. That costs more and be warned: you would be committing to a six-mile jaunt. So skip this place and go to Olana.

So I complain about no one answering the phone and your response is for me to call? Solid.

No one answers the phone, no one! I've tried every single extension hoping to talk to a live person. If the site is open then someone is there working, right? Can't they answer the phone? !?

Very nice historical home Thomas Cole was such an interesting man and artist. Home and grounds are Beautiful and interesting for ALL ages.

5 Stars for the exhibit content and grounds but only 2 Stars for wheel chair accessibility. The advertised information on this is misleading. There are no paved walkways on the grounds. The staff was helpful with the lift into the house but we had great difficulty pushing our elderly mother along the loose gravel pathways between the buildings. The wheels got stuck in unstable gravel and it was almost impossible to push her uphill through the gravel especially at the ticketing and gift shop building. If the museum is not going to pave the pathways to make it 100% accessible why not consider Sure Pack Gravel for a hard secure stable surface for wheel chairs? I'm surprised this hasn't been addressed in the past by the administration and Board of Directors.

I thought this would be interesting, and it's close to where I live. They are not a national park site, therefore the national park pass does not count. They have national park affiliation, not the same. It"s $16.00 per person. I am not an artist or an authority on art, and did not feel it was worth my while to pay that for what was offered. Nice grounds, nice repaired, or reproduced old bldgs. Not enough interest for me.

For many years, I have read about Thomas Cole and the Hudson River so I was truly delighted to stop by and see his studios and Homestead. Truly magical and loved the quiet place to sketch in the lavender garden folly.

Good variety of art by Cole, Meade, and Church. Also contemporary artists with links to the three. Interpreters were friendly and knowledgeable. Time well-spwnt.

Listed as a national park but national park passes aren't accepted. Cost to see inside 2 buildings is $16 per person. Feel that's a bit excessive. Did walk the grounds, but not impressed.

The current exhibit 'Cross Pollination' is beautifully done. Thomas Cole was notable not only as an extremely talented artist but also one who recognized the need for us all to take care of the natural environment; I wonder how different our world would be if more people in the early 1800s cared like he did.

Stopped here after a visit at Olana and ideally you would start an exploration of the Hudson River school of American Landscape painting at this site. That being said it was informative and interesting. Rather than a tour thee are several docents available to assist with any questions. Definitely worth a stop.

You will especially love this site if you are an artist and/or into art history. I really like the more interactive approach that is presented here. You can go into most of the rooms and you feel like an actual guest rather than a tourist. The docents here were very friendly and knowledgeable. Beautiful grounds and small enough to see everything in a couple of hours. Beautiful Hudson Valley views from the main house front porch.

Just finished a tour here with my wife. The guide was excellent and gave a good sense of what went on here. It will be nice to visit again soon when the fully site is open. It would be best to visit in a clear day as the views are incredible.

The evening was surprisingly magical. Whether a lover of art or the Catskill mountains visiting the Thomas Cole House on any occasion is an experience that should not be missed. Thomas Cole has been deemed the father of 'The Hudson River School" painters, and although that description goes a long way in describing how he painted a visit to Cedar Grove, his home, defines why he painted. The columns from his verandah frames his beloved Catskills the way his artful depiction has framed numerous works of the same. This alone would have made a visit to Cedar Grove at dusk a moving experience, but add to it the art of Brian Kenny, and illuminated orbs set to the surrounding sound scape music and the evening becomes magical and almost spiritual. This event, Spring Lights, only runs for a short time during the Spring months so don't miss this experience.